Julian Pasco "Sonny" Ronolo

JULIAN "SONNY" PASCO RONOLO greatest Master power lifter of all time May 15, 1923 - November 5, 2006 Sonny Ronolo, 83, of Kailua, Oahu, passed away at his home on November 5, 2006. He will be remembered worldwide for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the sport of power lifting. His interest in power lifting began when he was 66. At 79 he had the highest Master coefficient by formula in bench pressing. At the age of 81 he benched 370 pounds unassisted, weighing a mere 168 pounds. By the end of his competitive career Sonny had established more than 25 new world records. Sonny was instrumental in promoting power lifting as a competitive sport and healthy lifestyle by sponsoring a tournament every year since 1999. His tournaments grew rapidly among local lifters and attracting participants from across the United States. It is now the largest Hawaii event with the first being the annual World Association of Bench Press and Dead lift competition, which brings together competitors from Hawaii and around the world. Sonny's last appearance in competition was at the world event in Reno November 2005. Sonny appeared on the cover of HMSA's Island Scene, in television programs featuring senior athletes, and in numerous news articles as an advocate for healthy living. His philosophy on dieting was simple, "Eat only when you're hungry, stop when you're comfortable, and exercise regularly." He also shared his philosophy for success with everyone he trained, that is to first believe in yourself that you can do it. He was living proof of these simple principles. Sonny is survived by his daughters, Leona (Pereza) and Jocelyn Ronolo, nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to join the family at the Central Seventh-day Adventist Church on Nuuanu on November 26 at 4:00 PM with services to begin at 6:00 PM. Burial will be at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe, at 2:00 PM the following day, November 27.